The Key Concepts in the Martial Art of Fiore dei Liberi ~
Bob Charron

This three-day class focuses on the driving concepts ingrained in the entire art which Fiore dei Liberi set down at the command of the Marquis da Ferrara.  As this master instructor’s program builds upon itself as it progresses from wrestling through extensive knife work to the use of the sword and other weapons,  the scholar must understand, consistently implement, and learn to extrapolate from key concepts of movement, joint manipulation, leverage, distance, line and the manipulation of time.  Beginning with “the embrace” and finishing with the use of the sword in two hands, this class will focus on a limited number of key concepts.  Rather than being overwhelmed with the enormity of the entire art, the scholar will gain insights and understandings that will guide his study and practice of Fiore many years after this class. 

Scholars should bring: a “gi” or wrestling jacket suitable for being gripped, a plastic or wooden training knife of moderate size (no full-sized rondels, bowies or main gauches please), and a wooden, aluminum or steel longsword suitable for use in one or two hands.  The scholar should also be prepared to go simply and safely to the ground for some exercises.

Principles of Baroque Sword ~
Tom Leoni

Baroque sword is a superbly dynamic variation of 17^th Century Italian rapier. It differs from the styles of Fabris, Giganti and Capoferro in the sense that it contains a greater tactical emphasis on footwork, blade-on-blade actions, two-tempi parries and ripostes and it makes a much more ample use of the cut. In this sense, it is equally ideal for both the rapier and for more specialized cutting swords like the Venetian Schiavona.

The “big three” of Baroque sword were Francesco Antonio Marcelli, Giuseppe Morsicato Pallavicini and Bondi’ di Mazo, who left us incredibly detailed treatises describing the technical and tactical applications of their systems—even including sections on rapier Vs. curved broadsword and on how to use the left-hand dagger as a throwing knife.

In spite of its Baroque complexity, this style is laid out in such a logical manner that it makes it easier to understand rapier and Italian swordsmanship in general—perhaps more so than any other style. Outwardly, Baroque sword is striking and dynamic, featuring the typical Italian wide, low stance and incorporating a number of unique left-hand actions. But most importantly, it is extremely effective both as a learning tool and as a fencing style. Simply put, Baroque sword is an easy style to fall in love with.

In this class, we will learn the principles of Baroque sword in a new format. We will start with the fundamentals—which are actually wonderfully simple—and then learn how to apply them to most practical fencing situations. Besides going through cooperative drills that will firm up the fundamentals—which is essential--we will spend a considerable amount of time constructing and executing antagonistic drills in which you must use your mental and technical skills to make the right decision and execute your response correctly.

After this seminar, you will not only realize what a versatile and effective a style Baroque sword is; but, most importantly, you will see how by understanding it, all other principles of rapier and swordsmanship to which you have been exposed are suddenly much clearer.

Equipment required:

1. Practice rapier or practice sword. If you bring a sword, please ensure that its length is proportionate to your body—not too long, not too short.
2. Sturdy fencing mask. There will be cutting in the class, and the head will be the primary target for this mode of offense.
3. Fencing gloves. Please ensure you bring both right and left hand.
4. Fencing Jacket, plus any other protective equipment with which you normally free-play. There will be antagonistic drills, and you should be able to withstand a good thrust or cut.

Medieval German ~
Christian Tobler

This course will explore the varied ways that common core principle appear throughout the corpus of the Liechtenauer tradition. The classes will focus on how range, weapons choice, armour, tactical scenario and the acceptable level of violence for a given situation all determine the proper application of these concepts. Practice will include work with the longsword, sword and buckler, dagger, spear and poleaxe. One of our most important guides in this endeavor will be a later exponent of the tradition, Paulus Kal, a 15th century master in the service of Duke Ludwig IX of Bavaria. Students will be taught how to think about fighting by learning to adapt these core principles as appropriate for the situation at hand, while at the same time learning about the process of interpreting surviving fencing manuscripts.

Equipment required:

1. Longsword simulator (wooden, aluminum, or steel)
2. Dagger or knife simulator (preferably wood or rubber)
3. Buckler
4. Fencing mask
5. Leather gloves
6. Fencing jacket or doublet are encouraged

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